Terry Gibbs Pulls No Punches When Putting On a Show
For vibraphonist extraordinaire Terry Gibbs, boxing is a metaphor for life. He once wanted to be a boxer and many of his significant life experiences relate in some way to the pugilistic arts. As a percussionist, Gibbs makes a living hitting things. Even his name, Terry, was taken from one of his favorite boxers, Terry Young.
Terry Gibbs will be the JazzMn Big Band's special guest for "More Than a Concert", Saturday, April 13th at 7:30 p.m. at Benson Great Hall in Arden Hills, MN. Click here for ticket information.
There was a time in the not-too-distant past that four names dominated the field of jazz vibes players: Lionel Hampton, Red Norvo, Milt Jackson and Terry Gibbs. "The Big Four", as they were known, are all members of the Percussive Arts Society Hall of Fame. Terry said of his membership: "Over the years I’ve been nominated in different polls, such as Down Beat and Playboy polls, but they were just popularity contests. The Hall of Fame is different, because it’s from my peers. What an honor to have my name mentioned with them."
Gibbs’ biography includes Post-WW II stints touring with Buddy Rich and Woody Herman. He later co-led a septet with Louis Bellson and Charlie Shavers and in 1950 formed his own band for the Mel Torme TV show, after which he toured with his own big band and earned "#1 Vibraphonist" in polls from 1950 to 1955. Settling in Los Angeles, he formed his "Dream Band" in 1957, one of the most highly regarded jazz bands of all time, with players like Conte Candoli, Bill Holman, Frank Rossolino and Mel Lewis.
Gibbs has done extensive television work, fronting bands for The Regis Philbin Show, ABC-TV’s Operation Entertainment and for Steve Allen. Throughout his career he enjoyed world acclaim playing with such greats as Buddy DeFranco, Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, Horace Silver, Max Roach, Art Blakey, Elvin Jones and Tito Puente. He has 65 albums to his credit and is the creator of 300+ compositions, recorded by luminaries such as Nat King Cole, George Shearing, Count Basie and Cannonball Adderley.
September 14, 1997 was "Terry Gibbs Day" in Los Angeles, proclaimed by the mayor and city council, in honor of his vast contributions to the music industry and the community. Terry Gibbs is a Yamaha Performing Artist. He is one of the very favorite guests of community jazz orchestras across the nation for his musicianship and showmanship.
